waste of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waste of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that something is not worth the time, effort, or resources spent on it. Example: "I consider it a waste of time to attend meetings that have no clear agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Complete waste of time".

The New Yorker

What a waste of what?

The New Yorker

Just the waste of talent".

Independent

Never a waste of time.

The New Yorker

That's a waste of time.

The New York Times

What a waste of energy.

The New York Times

All a waste of breath.

The Guardian - Opinion

What a waste of money".

The New York Times

A complete waste of time.

The New York Times

"It's a waste of time".

The New Yorker

"A terrific waste of time.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "waste of", clearly identify what is being wasted to emphasize the negative impact. For instance, instead of saying "It's a waste", specify "It's a "waste of" time" or "It's a "waste of" money".

Common error

Avoid overuse of the phrase "waste of" in your writing. While common, repetitive use can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "misuse of" or "squander of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waste of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase often used to modify a noun. Ludwig examples show its usage in expressing that something is not worth the resources expended on it. It can be followed by nouns like "time", "money", "energy", etc.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waste of" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase for expressing disapproval over inefficient resource use. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across various domains. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as informal contexts like wikis, "waste of" serves to critique activities or expenditures deemed unproductive. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "misuse of" or "squandering of" to enhance precision. Remember to clearly state what's being wasted to maximize the impact of your statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misuse of

Focuses on the incorrect or improper application of something.

squandering of

Emphasizes the careless and extravagant spending or use of something.

inefficient use of

Highlights the lack of productivity or optimization in utilizing resources.

futile expenditure of

Stresses the pointlessness and ineffectiveness of spending effort or resources.

poor allocation of

Indicates that resources are not distributed effectively or appropriately.

dissipation of

Suggests a gradual decline and loss of something valuable.

unproductive investment in

Highlights the lack of returns or benefits from a particular investment.

fruitless endeavor with

Emphasizes the lack of success or positive outcomes from an effort.

idle employment of

Focuses on using something without achieving any meaningful result.

negligent handling of

Implies a careless or irresponsible management of resources or opportunities.

FAQs

How can I use "waste of" in a sentence?

You can use "waste of" to express that something is not worth the time, effort, or resources spent. For example, "I consider attending that meeting a "waste of" time" or "Spending money on that gadget was a "waste of" money".

What are some alternatives to "waste of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "misuse of", "squandering of", or "inefficient use of".

Is it grammatically correct to say "waste of time"?

Yes, "waste of time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It is used to describe an activity or situation that is not productive or beneficial.

What is the difference between "waste of time" and "waste of energy"?

"Waste of time" refers to activities that are unproductive or yield no valuable outcome, while "waste of energy" refers to actions that exhaust physical or mental resources without achieving a worthwhile result. They both express futility, but focus on different resources: time versus energy.